New Books for Teens and Adults

If you are having trouble finding books for your classroom, or books to buy for your teenager, or if you are a teen who is looking for a new book to read: you've come to the right place.

The following list includes the hottest titles in young adult literature right now. They are also some of the most popular books in my high school classroom. Half of the list contains books that are sequels or part of a book series (they will be clearly labeled, though).

Each book is linked to its page on Amazon.com if you wish to purchase, wishlist it, or whatever. I always hunt for the cheapest prices and many of these are not out in paperback yet, so I will try to update them when they are.

Books NOT part of a series:

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
Anyone who has been through school and felt like an outsider (haven't we all at some point?) will relate to this book. It's especially true for younger siblings who have lived in their older siblings' shadows. It covers divorce, death of a sibling, young love, finding yourself, and so much more. There is something in here every teen (and adult) will connect with. And I haven't even mentioned the fact it is written as letters to Kurt Cobain, Amelia Earhart, River Phoenix, and Jim Morrison. So very cool how author Ava Dellaira weaves music, history, and pop culture into this sad, suspenseful novel. (Grade 7 and up)

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
I loved Anderson's novels Speak and Twisted, and this one was pretty good. Many of my students like it and that is what really matters. Teens definitely connect with her characters. It's almost 400 pages, yet many of them fly right through it: passing the test of a good book. (Grade 8 and up)

Atlantia by Ally Condie
I really liked Condie's novel Matched but was not impressed with the other two books in the series. What she does so well is bring in the English-teacher appeal with allusions to art, literature, and heavy-laden with symbolism.  Though I haven't read Atlantia yet, it sounds much more interesting than the Matched series. The setting alone is cool: under the sea. Plus, the theme of sisterhood is very appealing. I know it's a book I'll have students lined up to read. (Grade 7 and up)

Glory O'Brien's History of the Future by A. S. King
Students will relate to Glory, who has no idea what she wants to do after graduation. It's a captivating read with some magic (magic doesn't seem the right word here, though) mixed in. It's deep, it's smart, it's heart-breaking. (Grade 8 and up)

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer
Combine poetry, reality TV, high school, and a gerbil, and you get a memorable, realistic, and humorous story. Excellent read. (Grade 7 and up)

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
A moving book with two perspectives: twins, who barely speak to one another. Though some may not want to pick it up for its controversial themes (sexual identity), it's so beautifully written and insightful, readers who are conservative in nature will find it hard to be offended by anything in the novel. It shows teens as they really are, and that speaks volumes. (Grade 9 and up)

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Though the narrator is hard to sympathize with, it's definitely a book that was haunting and sad and stuck with me for a while after reading. I'm glad I read it and I have several students who really like it. I also have a number of them that hated it and gave up reading it, too. It is slow at first and if they can get through the first half, the rest will be worth it. (Grade 7 and up)

The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu
Rumors, bullying, social media, high school clichés: this book, with its multiple point-of-views, covers it all. High school students will definitely relate with the themes and narratives. (Grade 9 and up)


BOOKS IN A SERIES

The Young Elites (A Young Elites Novel) by Marie Lu
This is the FIRST book in the series, so you can get hooked on Marie Lu's second series right from the get-go. The bad thing: you'll have to wait on the second book. It's an excellent opener (her Legend trilogy is a great series if you haven't read it yet) and sure to be just as popular. (Grade 6 and up)

The Raven Cycle #3: Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater
This is the third book in the Raven Cycle series. I have several students dedicated to this series and they said this was such an excellent book--their favorite so far. (Grade 7 and up)

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Though this book is the conclusion of stories that started with Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door, it–like the other two works–stands alone on its own, as well. Fans of the other two romance novels will enjoy the cameos of their favorite characters weaved into this story. So many girls shrieked when I brought this book into my classroom. And I mean literally shrieked–the kind of noise only a 15-year-old girl can make–with joy. It made my day, despite the noise. (Grade 8 and up)

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, and Maurine Johnson
Anything written by Cassandra Clare is GOLD in my class. Her books fly off the shelves. I always have a waiting list for her newest books and I keep several copies of her Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series because so many want to read (or re-read) them. This is a collection of short stories that allow readers to get to know warlock Magnus Bane a little better.  (Grade 8 and up)

Sinner (Shiver) by Maggie Stiefvater
Fans of the Shiver series were rejoicing when I brought a copy of Sinner into my classroom. There's still a waiting list for it. (Grade 7 and up)

The Rule of Thoughts (Mortality Doctrine, Book Two) (The Mortality Doctrine) by James Dashner
This is the second book in the Mortality Doctrine series. The first is The Eye of Minds (Mortality Doctrine, Book One) (The Mortality Doctrine). I haven't read either, but I know many boys who have and love them. Great choice for those reluctant readers. If they liked the Maze Runner series, they will love this one, too. (Grade 6 and up)

Finale (The Hush, Hush Saga) by Becca Fitzpatrick
This series is definitely popular with teenage girls. The third book in the series went missing from my classroom at the beginning of the year and it's driving a few of my students nuts. (Note to self to order another: I don't think it's coming back.) (Grade 8 and up)

You can purchase the complete Hush, Hush saga by clicking on the image:

Dreams of Gods & Monsters (Daughter of Smoke and Bone) by Laini Taylor 
This is the third and final book in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series and oh. my. word. is it awesome! This series is very close to being my favorite. I think only The Hunger Games trilogy and Harry Potter series come close. It's too hard to explain what it is about (there's sooo much), but you will be hooked. It's fantasy but in the present like Harry Potter. (Grade 8 and up)

You can purchase the complete Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy by clicking on the image:

 

Additional NEW books not pictured above:

The Complete Far Side by Gary Larson (All ages)

The Heir (The Selection series) by Kiera Cass - released May 2015 (Grade 7 and up)

I Was Here by Gayle Forman - released January 27, 2015 (Grade 7 and up)

Looking for Alaska 10th Anniversary Edition by John Green - released January 13, 2015

Fans of John Green will love this new edition with an introduction by the author, deleted "scenes" from the original manuscript, updated "backmatter," and a Q&A with the author. (Grade 9 and up)

Ignite Me (Shatter Me Book #3) by Tahereh Mafi - the paperback edition will be released Dec. 30th, but the Kindle and hardback copies are available now (Grade 8 and up)

For additional titles, see my post about popular books in my classroom:

Or my Pinterest pin boards for YA and adult literature:

YA Lit
New Books
All Things Books
Books Worth Reading
Books for Boys
Books for Girls

What are your favorites this year? Comment below and share in the discussion!

Mockingjay Part 1 Movie Review & Predictions for Part 2

Here's my non-spoiler immediate review after seeing "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1":

"Incredibly intense, less disappointing, amazing acting (Hoffman+Moore=Wowzers), sadness squared, and Oh. My. Peeta. Stay through the credits. They take forever, but you'll get a tiny reward for sticking around." - Hunger Games Trilogy Teaching Resources (a.k.a. HungerGamesLessons.com via Facebook)

Considering the material the movie makers had to work with (the first half of Suzanne Collins' novel Mockingjay), it was much better than I anticipated. I expected a movie with little action, lots of depressing scenes and crying, a messed-up and drugged-out Katniss Everdeen, a war-mongering Gale, and an evil President Coin. That's not really what we got. 

Warning: The rest of this post contains SPOILERS...

Favorite Scenes

Here were my favorite scenes from the movie, in no particular order:

1. The uprisings in Districts 7 and 5: All I kept thinking about during those scenes was the sacrifice those people were making for their cause. Those on the "front lines" who willingly acted as human shields for the others who held the precious explosives. Very powerful, very moving. I also appreciated seeing things outside of Katniss' narrow lens in the novels.

Image courtesy of Lions Gate Entertainment®

2. The Hanging Tree song: The song in the novel is so creepy and haunting. I never could figure out the melody of the tune. The way Jennifer Lawrence sings it is perfectly haunting, creepy in a cool way. It becomes the song of the revolution, inspiring the District 5 citizens to bomb the dam, allowing the rebels to take advantage of the loss of power in the Capitol.

Listen to Jennifer Lawrence sing "The Hanging Tree" song HERE.

3. Katniss' visit to the District 8 hospital: This scene was moving. Yes, I got teary-eyed when the D8 citizens gave Katniss the silent salute.

Image courtesy of Lions Gate Entertainment®

4. Rescuing Peeta, Annie, and Johanna in the Capitol: It was satisfying to see how this actually played out and I really liked the change to Katniss and Finnick's propos. I wondered how they would treat Finnick's confessional with a PG-13 rating. Those who read the book knew what he was saying and those who hadn't may not even realized all that he said since they had the dual screens running. 

Image courtesy of Lions Gate Entertainment®

5. Peeta's attack on Katniss: We knew it was coming, but it was still shocking and heart-breaking to see Peeta in this role. 

Image courtesy of Lions Gate Entertainment®

6. "My sister keeps her cat": OK, so it's not a scene but a quote. Still loved that moment when she requests that Coin allow Prim to keep Buttercup.

Image courtesy of Lions Gate Entertainment®

7. Finnick and Katniss talking in the bunker: Though he doesn't give Katniss some rope, I still enjoyed the moment Finnick tells Katniss he knew she loved Peeta after her reaction when Peeta's heart stopped in the arena. I wrote about that moment being foreshadowed here, and am glad they included it.

Image courtesy of Lions Gate Entertainment®

8. "Always": Another quote, but an additional scene with the old Peeta. It may be a little cheesy but, again, it is foreshadowing how Peeta will be able to reconnect his old memories after being hijacked. 

Top Disappointments

Major spoilers to the book!

A few of my biggest disappointments with the movie, along with questions and ponderings for Mockingjay Part 2:

1. "Evil" President Coin: What happened to the cold-hearted leader from the book? I found myself actually empathizing with President Coin. Why? We need to see her cruelty. I understand having the prep team in the movie may have been much, but at least give the viewer something that indicates this woman is two-faced. Coin was much too nice in the movie. 

2. “Well, don't expect us to be too impressed. We just saw Finnick Odair in his underwear.”: I have to admit, not hearing Boggs say this line and not seeing Finnick run out to the hovercraft, begging to go to District 8 was disappointing. 

3. The ending: Ugh. Why end there? At least give us some sense of hope for Peeta. Yes, we've read the books, so we know there is hope. But now I worry there's just TOO many scenes from the rest of Mockingjay that will be cut because there's no way they can all fit into one 2 ½ hour movie. Obviously I was way off in my prediction here.

4. Katniss talking about the bread: Though I think the way the rescue of Peeta was portrayed was good, I still wish we could hear Katniss talk about the bread–the moment Peeta saved their lives when she was 11. This probably means that part in chapter 16 when Peeta tells Katniss he remembers "about the bread" will be cut from the movie, huh?

5. "I kill Snow": Why was this major plot point left out when Katniss made her demands? Her entire mission is to get to the Capitol to kill the President. It's the only reason she willingly joins the Star Squad and the only reason she hangs on to life in the novel. Why did they decide not to include it? Well, I have no idea if this is why or not, but every time I read the novel with my classes we always ponder why she would want to kill Snow when she knows that person will never leave her. She has terrible nightmares of killing Marvel and sees his face as her arrow strikes. The aftermath of killing haunts a person forever. So why on earth would she ever want Snow to stay with her?
  Because this plot point was not included, how do you think the "plot twist" will happen when she is supposed to assassinate Snow?

Predictions: What will be cut from Mockingjay Part 2?

("Things That Make Me Go Hmmm...")

Because there are so many scenes left in the book, it is realistic to assume quite a bit will be cut. We already know that going to District 2 will be included, so that is not on he list. I've marked those I think will have to be in the movie and those that will probably be cut.

1. Gale and Beetee's death traps: The movie left off at the beginning of chapter 13. Part of the scene, however, isn't in the book (Coin addressing the D13 citizens); the other part of the scene (Katniss watching Peeta through the one-way glass), is in a modified way. But before she watches him, a VERY important part in the book foreshadowed the ending: Gale and Beetee's bomb plans. This is the moment Gale reveals to Katniss the plan to drop small bombs, wait for the medics to go in, then drop larger bombs that kill everyone. I'm pretty sure they'll find a way to get this scene in, right?? How can they not? *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*

2. Delly helping Peeta remember scenes: Because Delly Cartwright isn't credited in the movie, it's safe to say those scenes where she tries to help Peeta and defend Katniss will be cut. *PROBABLY WON'T MAKE THE CUT*

3. Finnick & Annie's Wedding: Will it be important enough to be included? Hopefully. Will Peeta do the icing on the cake? Another hopeful moment. Is it a MUST to have in the movie? Yes. We want the audience to be emotionally attached to the two characters. Plus, considering it will be a PG-13 rating, it's a good idea to have them married then Annie be pregnant when Finnick departs for good... *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*

4. Katniss and Johanna rooming and training together: The dialogue between these two unlikely friends is golden; it would be a travesty not to include these scenes. Besides, they show just how deeply the trauma of war affects the victims. But...is it essential to the story? Probably not. But it adds that depth I think should be included. And they owe us more Johanna! I really missed her in Part 1. *PROBABLY A MODIFIED VERSION*

5. Star Squad 451 going to the Capitol: Umm...yeah. This should be a given, right? Will ALL of the scenes from their mission through the Capitol be included? Highly unlikely. But it's safe to say that sending Peeta in after Leeg 2 dies, the mine and black slime that kills Boggs and Mitchell, Castor leading them through the sewer tunnels, the golden pod and meat grinder that takes Messalla, Jackson, and Leeg 1, and the half-human half-lizard mutts that kill Finnick, Homes, and Castor will make it into the movie. *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*

6. Hiding at Tigris': Again, since they have cast her in Mockingjay Part 2, it's safe to say the remaining Star Squad members will hide out in her basement. I do look forward to Gale and Peeta's discussion about Katniss when they think she is sleeping. *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*

7. President Snow's wall of children protection: Since they are the rebel's target for the first round of parachutes, it's safe to say that this scene, as well as the medics arriving and second round of parachutes dropping will make the cut. *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*

8. Katniss' physical and mental trauma from the bombing: I don't think everything from chapters 25 and 26 will make it in. A lot of time passes and for most of it, Katniss is mute. Though it will be necessary to show some of the aftermath, I think these scenes will be greatly reduced. *PROBABLY A MODIFIED VERSION*

9. Finding Snow in the rose garden: Katniss needs to hear from Snow that Coin dropped the bombs, killing her sister. *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*

10. The decision on whether or not to continue the Games with Capitol children: I think this part will be way too confusing to the viewer if they include it and Katniss votes "yes." In the novel, we read her thoughts on how nothing has changed and nothing will change if the Games continue. We know it is a test to see if Coin is as cruel as Snow. But unless she has this conversation with Haymitch beforehand aloud, the movie-goer who has not read the book will be lost. *PROBABLY WON'T MAKE THE CUT*

11. Katniss killing Coin instead of Snow: Essential to the story. *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*

12. Katniss being imprisoned in the Training Center for months while her trial takes place: This probably won't be as long and drawn out as it seems in the novel, but there will have to be some sort of resolution. *PROBABLY A MODIFIED VERSION*

13. Returning to District 12: Katniss becoming her mother: Will Francis Lawrence portray Katniss as the depressed recluse her mother was when we first started this story? Will Buttercup find his way back to Katniss so they can both grieve together? Will Peeta's gesture of primrose flowers help Katniss start living again? Will the memory book project be shown, including pictures of Annie and Finnick's baby? Will they show Peeta and Katniss as a couple and having kids? I really hope all of these scenes make it in there. *MUST BE IN MOCKINGJAY PART 2*

Which scenes will be ADDED? 

What will they show outside of Katniss's perspective?

1. More Prim: They have to develop her character more, especially as a medic, in order to have the desired impact at the climax.

2. Coin's manipulation: My god, the woman is practically portrayed as a saint in Part 1. We need to see her ruthlessness.

3. Gale's violent tendencies and bomb-making: Gale's gotta turn more bad guy here, too. He wasn't jerky enough in Part 1. Otherwise they're going to have a ton of movie fan girls in an uproar when she ends up with Peeta.

4. Commander Paylor's influence: In the end, Paylor becomes president of Panem through an election. I want to see her more leading the people. In Part 1, she almost acted as a servant for Katniss rather than a Commander of the district. Show us how she wins the people of Panem over. (I am so glad they did not cast a white woman for this role. We need to see more diversity in leadership roles in the movies–and in real life.)

5. Resolve Caesar Flickerman's character status: What happened to Caesar in the end? Suzanne Collins doesn't resolve this for us in the novel, but certainly the movie audience will want to know what Stanley Tucci's character's fate is, right?

I'm sure I've left a lot out. Comment below with your own opinion and suggestions. Did you like the movie? Why or why not?

CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS

Ask your students to list their favorite scenes, biggest let-downs, predictions and additional scenes they anticipate in Mockingjay Part 2. Use my guide and handouts, which is on sale through opening weekend:

Where Will Mockingjay: Part 1 End?

Probably the most debated question in my classroom right now regarding the movie "Mockingjay: Part 1" is where will it end?

Will it end on a cliff hanger moment? Or will we have a mini-resolution moment before we move on to Part 2?

This is a great discussion starter to have with your students, because you can discuss the plot and analyze which is better for the movie-makers: ending the movie with a cliff-hanger, or resolving the current scene first?

Let's look at the other big franchise movies that split the final book into two parts: Harry Potter and Twilight.

*Spoiler alert if you haven't read the books or seen these movies*

Twilight's "Breaking Dawn: Part 1" ended after Bella gave birth and turned into a vampire. We know she has "survived" (well, her character has survived as a vampire, though her human self is, indeed, dead). With this ending, the viewer is not left to wonder if she is still alive or if the baby survived. It's resolved for the moment, anyway.

Harry Potter's "The Deathly Hallows: Part 1" ended after Dobby has died and Lord Voldemort has found the elder wand. Though it did not end with a big cliff-hanger, there are still several unresolved issues: Harry and the gang still need to find the remaining horcruxes and Lord Voldemort is still at large, now with Dumbledore's powerful wand. It was definitely a depressing and anti-climatic ending.

Considering neither movie really ended at a huge cliff-hanger, it seems plausible that "Mockingjay: Part 1" won't, either.

Here are some example speculations for endings (the one I'm leaning toward is highlighted):

• Chapter 10 as the Capitol showers bombs on District 13.
   Reasons it won't end here:
    -Too soon in the book
    -Not much has been resolved at this point
    -We know via the trailers the movie goes further into the plot

• End of chapter 12 where Katniss and Peeta reunite and Peeta chokes Katniss.
  Reasons it won't end here:
    -The audience would be soooo mad
    -Still too soon in the book

• End of chapter 15 right after Katniss gets shot.
  Reasons it won't end here:
    -Again, audiences would be sooooo mad
    -Though it's over halfway, there are still so many events yet to happen
    -We need the main characters to be in one place–the same place–together for the ending

• End after Finnick and Annie's wedding in chapter 16.
  Reasons it could end here:
    -There's enough resolution, knowing Katniss is OK and Peeta is getting better
    -It leaves enough of the plot for a full-length second movie
    -The audience should be satisfied with the sweet (though bittersweet for those who have read the book) ending
    -There will be enough exposition with Katniss and Johanna training to go to the Capitol for the beginning of the Part 2 movie

• End as the Star Squad gets ready to leave for the Capitol in chapter 18.
  Reasons it won't end here:
    -Though there are many events left to cover, it seems too far in (2/3 to be exact) to end here
    -Ending just as they are about to leave for the Capitol would be torture on audiences
    -It wouldn't leave much room for an exposition in the Part 2 movie (you can't start the movie going right into battle; there has to be a build-up)

What do YOU think? Comment below or on my Google+ page.

Watch the trailers and see for yourself. Are there any clues in the trailers where it will end?

Banned Books Week: If It's Forbidden, Kids Are Interested

Celebrate the FREEDOM to READ this week!

In honor of Banned Books Week, I'm showcasing some of the books that have been banned or challenged over the years in my classroom.

Students are always amazed to see the many titles that make the lists. How could their beloved childhood favorites possibly be offensive? We discuss the reasons they are challenged and have great debates that usually end with students grabbing up the books and wanting to check them out.

Truly, Banned Books Week is a great way to get kids interested in reading (anything that seems remotely "forbidden" or offensive to adults arouses interest in teens).

It's not too late to showcase some titles in your classroom. Even if you don't have the books, show students the lists and reasons (you can find links HERE on the ALA.org website).

You can also find FREE resources in my store for Banned Books Week.

Shakespeare Made Easy (and Fun)

Shakespeare can be difficult for students. I remember struggling to understand the text when I was a teenager. It wasn't until I had a teacher who translated the lines for us (often in a humorous way) that things finally clicked for me. Still, when I first had to teach The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, I was terrified.

Over the years it has become one of my favorite plays. There are so many quotes famous quotes engrained in our culture. Students are always amazed to learn that TuPac quoted lines from the play in his songs and, more recently, John Green uses a partial quote as the title (and major theme) of his best-seller The Fault in Our Stars.

But finding these references and and creating ways to connect them students takes forever. Well, maybe not forever, but a very long time. Before the internet (or, before YouTube and more content was posted), I would tape episodes of "The Simpsons" or just buy the DVDs to get literature references to show as examples. Students love it when you can take something from their world and put it in context with the unit we're studying. When the two worlds collide, magic happens.

We all know, though, finding these references are time consuming. And time is rarely on our sides. We can't afford to spend hours searching for clips on YouTube or memes online, then compiling them to show students. That's why I usually find a few then unleash my students to find (or make) their own. It's fun for them and they actually learn something.

To make your job much easier, however, I have taken the time to put together some great memes from my Tragedy of Julius Caesar unit. ("Some" = over 80 memes.) I have found these to be quite helpful for both high-achievers and struggling readers. The high-achievers want to create their own snarky memes (let them! They usually make the best ones.) and the struggling readers make the connection between the text–which seems like a foreign language to them–and the meme, finally comprehending what is going on in the play.

This past April when I assigned Julius Caesar video parody projects to my students, I decided to finally compile all of my images and make a video. Since I had just shown them example memes scattered throughout the play, the video helped them put it all together. Plus it has music. Kids love music.

The movie runs a little over 12 minutes, but chances are your students may want to watch it a second time to spot the "Strutting Leonardo DiCaprio" images I photoshopped into the scene (and/or setting) divider pages.

OK, so most of the "Strutting Leonardo" images aren't so hard to find, but it makes the scene dividers a little more interesting. :)

And just to make your job even easier, I included handouts so students can search the text (close reading) to find the lines that are referenced in the memes. There's also an activity to prompt them to create their own from the text. Yes, the activities are aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

The incredibly large file also holds all 146 slides as .jpg images for easy printing AND a Powerpoint presentation of the movie in case you wish to show them at your own pace (Powerpoint does not include the music track).

So where can you get this incredible bundle? Click here:

And what does this have to do with The Hunger Games trilogy?

In case you haven't noticed, there are tons of references in The Hunger Games trilogy to Shakespearean plays. Mockingjay, in particular, references The Tragedy of Julius Caesar a few times. You can find those activities in my Mockingjay unit.

I love it when authors use allusions to works of Shakespeare! It makes out job of proving his relevance so much easier.

How do you incorporate pop culture into your lessons? Share in the comments below.